Villarreal coach Inigo Perez has criticised Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen following his confrontation with Santiago Mouriño during Galatasaray’s 2-1 pre-season defeat to Villarreal on Saturday.
The incident occurred in the 37th minute when Mouriño blocked Osimhen as the Nigerian striker tried to reach a cross inside the penalty area.
Osimhen reacted by pushing the Uruguay defender to the ground, prompting players from both sides to intervene. Referee Kadir SaÄźlam subsequently showed both players yellow cards.
“There is not much to say about football, because the opposing team didn’t come onto the field to play football, but to fight,” Perez said after the game.
“Osimhen attacked our player out of nowhere and only got a yellow card.”
Osimhen had earlier put Galatasaray level in the fifth minute with a header from Eren Elmali’s cross, after Ayoze Perez had given Villarreal the lead.
Georges Mikautadze restored Villarreal’s advantage before the break, with Galatasaray unable to respond as they suffered their third defeat in five pre-season fixtures.
The result also intensified frustration among Galatasaray supporters, who have raised concerns over the club’s transfer business.
The Turkish champions ended their preparations with one win, one draw and three defeats, including victories over Umraniyespor and losses to Monza, Venezia and Villarreal, alongside a 3-3 draw with Rennes.
Galatasaray will open their Super Lig title defence on Friday against Corum at home.
